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Sandown Betting Tips for August 2, 2026 - Idol Eyes Another Crisp Crown

Martin Pennington

Editor

Last updated: Fri 31 Jul 2026 12:21

Martin Pennington 31 Jul 2026

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Sandown’s feature races are the Grand National Hurdle & Crisp Steeplechase on August 2
Top picks include Ongatiti (R2), Stern Idol (R4), Durban Harbour (R6), and Cinturato (R8)
Track is rated Heavy 10; selections have strong wet track form

Expired

Stern Idol chases a fourth consecutive Crisp Steeplechase victory at Sandown. (Getty)

Sandown hosts an eight-race program on Sunday, August 2, with the Grand National Hurdle and Crisp Steeplechase the headline acts.

Sandown Tips August 2
Ecycle Solutions Grand National Hurdle Tips (Race 2)
Ecycle Solutions Crisp Steeplechase Tips (Race 4)
Sportsbet Sam Race Multi Handicap Tips (Race 6)
Sportsbet Fixed Odds Exotics Handicap Tips (Race 8)

The track is currently rated a Heavy 10, although no rain is forecast over the weekend.

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Sandown Tips August 2

Ecycle Solutions Grand National Hurdle Tips (Race 2)

Sandown Feature Bet - Race 2 No. 2 Ongatiti

Four victories from seven appearances in 2026 underline the strong campaign Ongatiti has put together.

Three of those wins have come in testing conditions, with the exception being a first-up success on the Flat at Ballarat in March.

His latest hurdle triumph came over 3400m at this venue, where he handled a Heavy 8 surface to win a Benchmark 120 by just over two lengths.

Although disappointing at Warrnambool next time out, the six-year-old returned to winning form when switched to a maiden steeplechase at Hamilton last month.

Ongatiti still has to prove his stamina at this trip, but he receives weight from likely favourite Andy Win, has Will Gordon aboard and can add another Grand National Hurdle to Ciaron Maher’s record.

Ecycle Solutions Crisp Steeplechase Tips (Race 4)

Sandown Best Bet - Race 4 No. 1 Stern Idol

Strong course form gives Stern Idol an obvious chance of claiming a fourth consecutive Crisp Steeplechase.

The nine-year-old has won four of his six appearances at Sandown, including two victories earlier this year.

He produced an impressive performance over 3450m at Warrnambool three starts ago, conceding significant weight to Hit The Road Jack and winning by four-and-a-half lengths.

A defeat over 3900m here followed under a big weight, but he meets winner Sing For Peace on considerably better terms this time.

An outing on the Flat at Flemington last month should have him ready to peak, and with the testing conditions firmly in his favour, Stern Idol is taken to win this race again.

Sportsbet Sam Race Multi Handicap Tips (Race 6)

Sandown Value Bet - Race 6 No. 9 Durban Harbour

Testing conditions hold no concerns for Durban Harbour, who recorded a Heavy-track victory at Kyneton last November.

The six-year-old has made three appearances this campaign, beginning with a close sixth over 1800m in Benchmark 70 company at Caulfield Heath.

A fourth in a similar event followed before he finished third over 2040m in a country Benchmark 62 at Seymour two weeks ago.

The wide barrier was far from ideal on that occasion, while the son of Dominant is better served by drawing barrier six here.

Dylan Dunn retains the ride after partnering him throughout the preparation, and Durban Harbour looks capable of delivering value for Sheila Laxon and John Symons.

Sportsbet Fixed Odds Exotics Handicap Tips (Race 8)

Sandown Next Best Bet - Race 8 No. 2 Cinturato

Two placings from as many appearances at Sandown highlight Cinturato’s liking for the venue.

The latest came at the start of last month, when he finished third over 1200m in a Benchmark 70 on a Heavy 9 surface.

A rise in distance should suit the four-year-old, who has won twice over this trip, including a comfortable victory at Warrnambool in May.

Freshened since his latest run, barrier eight should not prove a concern given his racing pattern, while he has also performed well in defeat at this level previously.

Connections scratched Cinturato from a race on the Hillside course on Wednesday to contest this event, and the gelding looks capable of rewarding that decision.

Verdict

Sandown- August 2

Our Sandown selections for Sunday, August 2 are:

Ongatiti

To Win

$3.00 - 3 Units

Same Race Multi & Instant Deposit

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Stern Idol

To Win

$2.05 - 3 Units

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Cinturato

To Win

$3.30 - 3 Units

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